WEATHER UPDATES: Make sure you are at home from 4pm tomorrow

16.25

Due to the forecast of deteriorating weather conditions overnight and tomorrow and the red level warning that’s in place, Meath County Council’s public offices and facilities will remain closed tomorrow, Thursday and Friday.

However, essential services will remain in place and people can make contact on 0469097000 and on 1890445335. The current situation is that all roads in the county are passable and footpaths have been cleared in most of the towns. Ploughing and salting of roads will continue through the night to keep main routes open.

Having considered the Met Éireann warning, and the likely impacts of blizzard conditions, we are advising people to remain indoors while the red level warning is in place.

Meath Co. Council’s Civil Defence crews are on standby to provide assistance, if required.

14.45

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Make sure you are at home tomorrow between 4pm tomorrow and noon on Friday was the warning from the National Emergency Coordination Group this afternoon.

Met Eireann has issued a new Red Alert warning of  blizzard-like conditions with heavy snow and strong easterly winds on Thursday evening and continuing on Thursday night and Friday morning giving significant snow drifts in many areas.

The warning is valid until noon on Friday.
The blanket of snow which has covered Meath overnight has caused major disruption throughout the county, with schools closed and most services cancelled.

 While Meath County Council has been gritting the using snowploughs on the busiest roads, many remain impassible.
The N51 Navan/Slane Road is blocked with three snow stranded articulated vehicles blocking the roadway. Motorists are advised to avoid this area. 
Glasallen Hill between Slane and Collon is causing difficulties for motorists and the  the N2 has poor conditions generally. 
There is snow on all roads around Navan and Ashbourne.
Gardaí are advising motorist and all road users to use caution on our roads.
Leave sufficient room between you and the car in front and drive within a speed where you can stop in time.
ALONE, the charity for the elderly advise  people to keep the heating on as much as people need it for the next couple of days of bad weather. The charity said "Your health is worth more than the cost of heating. Stay warm, stay safe and stay in touch". 

Meanwhile, Minister for Social Protection Regina Doherty has announced the fuel allowance of €22.50 will double to €45 for a week to its 331,000 recipients.
The HSE in Louth Meath says in light of the status red warning it will be focusing on essential services only as long as that status remains.
All non essential services are cancelled until further notice.
Court sittings in Louth and Meath and anywhere else where there is a status red alert, have been cancelled today.
AES bins collections are among the services cancelled.
The North East Countries Schoolboys/girls League has cancelled all games for this weekend.
Meath County Council carried out three grittings overnight, at 9pm, 1am and 5am.

All trucks, snow ploughs and drivers are on standby and the Council has adequate supplies of salt to ensure that the designated routes are gritted.  

Gritting routes may be viewed on the website at http://www.meath.ie/CountyCouncil/Roads/WinterGrittingRoutes/

 The Council will prioritize the clearing of roads to keep main routes open.

A cold weather initiative is  in place in conjunction with the HSE  to deal with the expected adverse weather conditions.

Anyone who comes across rough sleepers  should bring this to the attention of the Council’s  Homeless Settlement Team on 046 9097000 or on the out of hours emergency number 1890 445335.

 
Meath Co. Council’s Civil Defence crews are on standby  and will work with the Gardaí to identify vulnerable people and provide assistance, if required. The local area offices may be also contacted for assistance. 
How bad is the snow in your area? Send us pictures and videos of the snow and any disruptions.